Daily Archives: August 22, 2014

Turning a dream into a reality requires hard work, blood, sweat, tears – and money. Laurie Neill was armed with all those critical qualities as she diligently worked to transform the former El Castel Steak House into the quaint tea room she had long envisioned. But the renovations were much more onerous, extensive and expensive…

When the chance to purchase Saturday Afternoons Home Store presented itself, Michelle Madden jumped at the opportunity. “I definitely have a flair for anything related to the home and interior design, so Saturday Afternoons is a great fit for me,” said Madden, who said being downtown was critical. “To me, downtown is the heart and…

Martin Stannus, an experienced general contractor, purchased Orillia Woodworking Inc. this summer. He said the well-respected company’s competent staff, coupled with its strong core business attracted his interest. And, with the help of a loan from the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (OACDC), he was able to complete the purchase in June. “We are grateful…

Banks rarely line up to offer new businesses financing. And if it’s a new restaurant on the menu, they are even less likely to ante up cash. That’s why the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC) was so critical to Diana Roman and Rob Frost when they decided to open a new eatery in Orillia.…

When Brian Gibb lost his job at Casino Rama – alongside dozens of other employees – he found himself at a crossroads. Like most people, he polished his resume and applied for 292 jobs before attending a job fair at Orillia Square mall – it was a decision that would dramatically alter his path. “The…

A bike ride with his children changed the course of Senti Rasa’s life – and altered the destiny of the general store that is the heart of Carthew Bay. “I have a cottage on Line 12 and me and the kids decided to bike to the Carthew Bay Store for ice cream,” recalled Rasa, who…